Rongbin Han argues that the Chinese government recognises it cannot possibly control all of the internet, so instead it engages in a ‘porous censorship’ that targets the most sensitive content. Photo: Shutterstock

How China censors its internet and controls information, from Great Firewall to 50 Cent Army: two new books explain

Two new books from US academics look at the methods China uses to control information, promote its viewpoints and discourage access to sensitive topics, but also how censorship is a tax on the country’s tech sector

Rongbin Han argues that the Chinese government recognises it cannot possibly control all of the internet, so instead it engages in a ‘porous censorship’ that targets the most sensitive content. Photo: Shutterstock